Only the winners and runners-up of the competition could secure the berths in the 2016 Olympic Games. It was different from last edition which three medalists teams joined the Olympics.
Qualification format
The 2015 World Cup changed the format of the competition following the information above. There were not 2 wild card teams like 2011 edition. One of these spots belonged to the World champions, the other one belonged to the 2nd place of a continental event.
Competition format
Competition rounds decreased from 4 in 2011 to 3. Combining rounds 1 and 2 in 2011 to 1 round of 5 days. The hosts also reduced the venues from 8 to 6.
Pool ranking criteria
In 2011 edition, match points was the first criterion, but 2015 changed it to number of matches won. All criteria are shown in section [|Pool standing procedure].
Net touch
In this edition, players can not touch the whole net and antennas, not just the white band like in 2011 edition.
Roster
All 14 players can play in every match and be named in score sheets.
Individual awards
Individual awards were given to players by positions, unlike previous editions when awards were given to players by volleyball skills.
Attribution of points
FIVB approved the proposal that in case the team hosting the Olympic Games participated in a previous World Cup then they would keep the World Ranking points gained at the previous World Cup.
Referee
It was the first time in the competition when there was a challenge referee. In each match, there was a referee who controlled the challenge system.
Qualification
12 teams participated in the World Cup. Only teams who had not yet qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games could compete in the tournament.
Format
The competition system of the 2015 World Cup for women is the single Round-Robin system. Each team plays once against each of the 11 remaining teams. The teams were divided into 2 groups of 6 teams each. In round 1, total 30 matches in 5 days, each team plays against the other teams from the same group. For rounds 2 and 3, total 36 matches in 6 days, each teams play against the teams from another group. The pools composition followed the Serpentine system based on the World ranking where the host team was at the top position. Numbers in brackets denoted the FIVB World Ranking as of 13 October 2014 except the hosts who ranked 4th.
Group 1
Group 2
Squads
Maximum of 12 regular players and maximum of 2 liberos can be selected to play in the tournament. The rosters of 14 players of each team can be seen in the article below.
Venues
Pool standing procedure
Number of matches won
Match points
Sets ratio
Points ratio
Result of the last match between the tied teams
Match won 3–0 or 3–1: 3 match points for the winner, 0 match points for the loser Match won 3–2: 2 match points for the winner, 1 match point for the loser
